Latent Power, Public Art Sculpture
REBECCA APPLEBY APPOINTED TO CREATE PUBLIC INSTALLATION IN KIRKSTALL
written content from East Street Arts
We’re at it again! We’re working on another piece of public artwork for Leeds. This time, it’s Kirkstall’s turn and Leeds-born artist, Rebecca Appleby is at the helm.
Part of A City Less Grey and Leeds City Council’s Town and District Centre Scheme, the piece will be situated in the grounds of the Leisure Centre on Kirkstall Lane and will play homage to the local heritage and industrial landscape. It is being created with funding from Leeds City Council.
Specialising in sculptural ceramics, Rebecca was appointed following a community event and other consultation work in the area. She is passionate about Kirkstall, having grown up in the area. Her work ranges from sculpture to collages and experimental landscapes and is an examination of the ever-present cohabitation and conflict between industry and nature.
A City Less Grey, which recently won a Planning Award, also includes a series of artworks situated across the city centre which were commissioned with funding from LeedsBID.
We are now working with Leeds City Council to carry out further consultation with the community in Kirkstall to develop the installation. With plans to work with schools and community groups in the area, we attended Kirkstall Festival and Kirkstall Art Trail in July.
“I’m thrilled to be working on this commission. Having been born in Leeds, with family living in and around the Kirkstall area, I feel privileged to in a position to create a piece of public art for the community. I am fascinated by industry and heritage and I have learned so much about the area that I didn’t know.
“We have recently held a series of public consultation events and I have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the ideas and designs so far. I’m thoroughly looking forward to the next stage of the process when the final design will be chosen and then created in the studio. We are also working with local schools and groups in the area as part of our engagement. I really appreciate the opportunity and support that East Street Arts and Leeds City Council have given me as an artist.”
Rebecca Appleby
